Capella University, an Accredited Online University, Announces 2011 Harold Abel Distinguished Faculty Award Recipients

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Capella University, an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing high quality online degree programs for working adults, announced the recipients of the 2011 Harold Abel Distinguished Faculty Awards. The awards are presented annually to an outstanding faculty member from each of the university’s five schools. As of March 31, 2011, nearly 40,000 students are pursuing an online degree at Capella University (http://www.capella.edu), with 31 percent enrolled in Capella’s doctoral degree programs, and 47 percent enrolled in Capella’s master’s degree programs.

“I’m pleased to recognize this exceptional group of faculty members”

The award is named in honor of Capella University’s founding president and chairman, the late Dr. Harold Abel. This year’s selections were made by the deans of each school in conjunction with school leaders and Capella Interim President Deborah Bushway, PhD.

The 2011 Harold Abel Distinguished Faculty Award winners are:

John Darland, PsyD – Dr. Darland was honored for his excellence as a core faculty member in the university’s School of Public Service Leadership, as well as his contributions to the university and the school as a whole. He was the leader of the school’s best practices/learner engagement initiative, and has helped foster a culture of teamwork and innovation that has lead to teaching, learning, and learner success.

Melissa McIntyre, PhD -- Dr. McIntyre, core faculty from the School of Education, was honored for her outstanding contributions to the university, the School of Education, the PhD specialization in Leadership in Educational Administration, and individual learners. Her many contributions include chairing the university-wide curricular improvement process, participating in course development, mentoring faculty, and providing one-on-one support to enhance the academic success of individual learners.

David Odett, PhD – Dr. Odett, a core faculty member in Capella’s School of Undergraduate Studies, was selected for his deep commitment to delivering a superior learning experience to Capella students. He has overseen continuous course improvements in the undergraduate business program, built community, and enhanced the learning experience through improved communications. He also introduced learner templates to ease learner anxiety and improve learning. In addition, he has been an active participant in committees and teams designed to enhance the university, the school, and the business profession.

Janet Salmons, PhD – A core faculty member for Capella’s School of Business and Technology, Dr. Salmons was honored for her innovative instructional approaches and her dedication to sharing her successes with others. This included early adoption of Web conferencing in the classroom and with individual learners and mentees. She has shared this information with other faculty through online tutorials, webinars, on-site workshops, and her book, Online Interviews in Real Time. Capella students have benefited from her innovative use of technology and commitment to collaboration through two of the courses she helped develop, Leading Collaboratively and Leadership and the New Media.

Barry Trunk, PhD – Dr. Trunk was recognized for his consistent, outstanding contributions as an instructor, mentor, colloquia instructor, and colleague. Dr. Trunk is a core faculty member of the Psychology Department of Capella’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. He teaches courses in basic and advanced statistics, history and systems in psychology, developmental psychology, and research methods.

“I’m pleased to recognize this exceptional group of faculty members,” said Charles Tiffin, PhD, Capella University’s vice president, academic affairs, and provost. “Our goal at Capella is to provide an excellent, successful learning experience for all of our adult learners, and the inspirational teaching and academic leadership of our faculty are key to achieving this goal.”

About the award
The Harold Abel Distinguished Faculty Award is named for the late Dr. Harold Abel, who co-founded Capella with Stephen Shank and served as the university’s first president, as well as chancellor and chair of the university's board of directors. Dr. Abel had a 44-year career as an educator. His dedication to quality and innovation is honored by this award, which recognizes faculty excellence and leadership. The awards have been given annually since 1999.

About Capella University
Capella University (www.capella.edu) is an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing quality online degree programs for working adults. Nearly 80 percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's, specialist, or doctoral degree programs in business, counseling, education, health administration, homeland security, human resource management, human services, information technology, nonprofit management and leadership, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, public safety, and social work. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, nursing, psychology, public administration, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 136 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 17 certificate programs. Nearly 40,000 learners were enrolled as of March 31, 2011, from all 50 states and 59 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552).

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* Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org.
Capella University, Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552), www.capella.edu.

Learn more about earning an online degree:
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accredited online university (http://www.capella.edu/about_capella/accreditation.aspx)
online college (http://www.capella.edu/online_college_degree_programs.aspx)